Should you trust a covering letter template for UK jobs?

A covering letter template for UK jobs might seem like a good idea to begin with. After all, most applicants find that writing the cover letter is one of the hardest parts of the application process (save only that nerve wracking interview!). And there are literally thousands of different templates online, ranging from everything from bar staff to chief executives - many of which have been written by expert writers and career professionals.

But we recommend that you give these cover letter templates a miss. It's fine to look at them for some inspiration, but do not use them as a basis for your own letters. Employers have probably seen them all before.

When you apply for a job, you aim to be totally unique and to stand out from other applicants in the hope that the employer finds you interesting enough to interview. If the employer receives ten applicants with cover letters that follow identical patterns, and one that grabs their attention and stands out from the crowd, guess which applicant they are more likely to interview?

Plan your cover letter carefully. You want to make sure that all the necessary practical information is covered. You also want to make sure that you've addressed the reasons you'd be perfect for the job - i.e. highlighted your most impressive and relevant achievements. Also make sure that the cover letter is tailored for each job you apply for - referring specifically to the role and to the criteria laid out in the job advert.